Gateron Lunar Probe vs. Wuque Studio WS Dash
An in-depth look at the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Wuque Studio WS Dash switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
In the world of mechanical keyboards, the choice of switches can significantly influence your typing experience. The Gateron Lunar Probe, with its innovative dual rail mechanism, offers users a consistently stable and smooth linear feel, making it an excellent choice for those who prefer a quieter and more subdued auditory experience while typing. Its pre-lubed design enhances the tactile feedback, creating a satisfying keystroke without the distraction of loud clicks. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash employs a Hall Effect mechanism, delivering a bright and clacky sound signature that appeals to users looking for a more pronounced auditory feedback during typing. These switches not only provide a silky smooth keystroke but also add a touch of sophistication to your keyboard setup, especially if you're using a Wooting Hall Effect keyboard. Each switch has its unique strengths that cater to different preferences and styles, making the decision a matter of personal taste. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the right switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
30g
Bottom-out force
50g
Bottom-out force
55g
Pre-travel
1.80 mm
Pre-travel
N/A
Total travel
3.60 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Standard
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Double-staged spring
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The Gateron Lunar Probe and the Wuque Studio WS Dash both utilize polycarbonate for their top housings, resulting in similar auditory characteristics and aesthetic qualities. The polycarbonate material contributes to a sharper, higher-pitched, and crisper sound profile due to its stiff nature. This stiffness enhances the resonance of the switch, allowing for a clearer auditory feedback when typing. Additionally, both switches capitalize on the translucent nature of polycarbonate, making them particularly compatible with RGB lighting. As a result, users of either switch can anticipate a comparable sound and visual experience, especially when setting up their keyboards with dynamic lighting.
In contrast, the bottom housings of both the Lunar Probe and the WS Dash are made from nylon, which significantly affects the overall sound profile when typing. Nylon, being a softer plastic, absorbs more sound compared to the harder polycarbonate, yielding a deeper and fuller sound. This leads to a more muted and rounded auditory experience with each keystroke, which can soften the overall typing sound in combination with the sharper tones produced by the polycarbonate top. Whereas the top housing deals with the sound produced when releasing a key, the nylon bottom housing offers a counterbalance with its capacity to soften the noise during key presses, enriching the overall typing experience.
When examining the full assemblage of materials, the Gateron Lunar Probe and the Wuque Studio WS Dash provide a cohesive synthesis of properties that cater to diverse user preferences. The combination of the polycarbonate top and nylon bottom in both switches allows for a well-rounded auditory experience, blending clarity and depth. This duality means that while users will experience distinct characteristics from each housing during key presses and releases, the fundamental sound profiles of both switches remain aligned due to the shared materials. Consequently, those familiar with one switch can expect a similar auditory sensation when using the other, making either option an excellent choice for tactile and auditory satisfaction during typing.
Weight
The Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch exhibit notable differences in their actuation and bottom out forces. The Lunar Probe has an actuation force of 45 grams and a bottom out force of 50 grams, positioning it as a lighter option, ideal for users who prefer less resistance during long typing sessions. In contrast, the WS Dash features a lighter actuation force of 30 grams but a heavier bottom out force of 55 grams. This means that while its initial actuation is easier, it requires more force to bottom out, providing a distinct tactile feel that some users may find appealing. Overall, the Lunar Probe is heavier in terms of actuation but lighter when considering bottom out force, whereas the WS Dash offers a lower actuation force yet presents a higher bottom out feel, making it suitable for those who enjoy a more substantial typing experience.
Travel distance
When comparing the travel distances of the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, the Lunar Probe features a slightly longer travel distance at 3.6 mm, while the WS Dash offers a more compact travel distance of 3.5 mm. This difference of just 0.1 mm illustrates how the Lunar Probe provides a more pronounced typing experience, which some users may find preferable for tactile feedback and depth. Conversely, the WS Dash, with its shorter travel distance, caters to those seeking quicker response times, making it a potentially better choice for gamers who value speed in their keystrokes. Overall, while the travel distances are relatively close, the Lunar Probe’s longer distance may appeal to users who appreciate a more substantial press, whereas the WS Dash's shorter distance may favor those who prefer a more immediate feel with less travel.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The Gateron Lunar Probe has an MSRP of $6.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Lunar Probe for $4.19.
The Wuque Studio WS Dash has an MSRP of $8.00 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the WS Dash for $7.49.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
In terms of sound, the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch is characterized by a subtle sound signature, which contributes to a quiet typing experience that is ideal for both office environments and shared spaces. This understated audio profile can be appealing for users who prefer a more discreet setup. On the other hand, the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch offers a bright and clacky sound that stands out more prominently during use, creating a lively auditory experience that may be more suitable for those who enjoy audible feedback and a bit of flair in their typing sound. Given that sound is also influenced by factors like the keyboard construction and keycap material, these switches can produce markedly different auditory qualities depending on the setup.
When it comes to feel, the Gateron Lunar Probe excels with its incredibly smooth, pre-lubed linear sensation, providing a seamless keystroke that many users find highly enjoyable for both gaming and typing scenarios. This smoothness is bolstered by a dual rail mechanism that ensures stability and consistency, allowing for a highly reliable typing experience. In contrast, the WS Dash switch also emphasizes a silky smooth keystroke, maintaining a luxurious feel that aligns with its premium aesthetic and performance. Both switches cater to users who appreciate smooth keypresses, yet they might evoke different tactile perceptions based on their designs.
In conclusion, while the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch share a commitment to smoothness in feel, they diverge significantly in their sound profiles, with the Lunar Probe favoring a more subdued auditory quality and the WS Dash providing a brighter, more resonant experience. Ultimately, the choice between these two switches will come down to personal preference, particularly regarding the desired sound signature and the overall typing experience that aligns with an individual's needs and environment.
Conclusion
To conclude, when choosing between the Gateron Lunar Probe linear switch and the Wuque Studio WS Dash hall effect switch, consider your typing preferences and the kind of experience you want. If you prefer a lightweight feel with a smooth, consistent, and refined keystroke, the Lunar Probe is an excellent choice, especially if you're after a quiet typing experience and a subtle sound signature. Its 50-gram actuation force, coupled with Gateron's dual rail mechanism, offers a stable typing experience that's great for long hours of work or gaming. On the other hand, if you enjoy a bit more resistance in your keystrokes along with a bright, clacky sound profile, the WS Dash might be better suited to you. With a bottom-out force of 55 grams, it provides a medium-light feel that can be satisfying for those who appreciate a more tactile response, all while delivering a mesmerizing auditory sensation. In essence, your choice hinges on whether you prioritize smoothness and minimal sound (Lunar Probe) or a more engaging sound and tactile feedback (WS Dash).
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